The SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia is the highlight of conference championship weekend.
The showdown between the two hated rivals is a virtual playoff game – with the winner expected to be guaranteed a playoff spot.
That’s certainly true in Georgia’s case, but when it comes to the Tide, some disagree…
ESPN analyst Booger McFarland cast doubt on the Alabama’s playoff chances, even if they emerge victorious over the undefeated Bulldogs.
McFarland expressed skepticism about the Tide’s “guaranteed entry” into the playoff, stating: “Alabama, even if they win, and I know it sounds blasphemous from an SEC guy and a guy that has roots in the south that the SEC champion – the best conference in the country – you could win that conference and get left out.”
McFarland pointed out that Alabama’s lone loss at home to a team also vying for a postseason spot, Texas, could be a significant factor in the selection committee’s decision.
“Under this system, there’s only four (spots) and all the games count – and Alabama had a Texas problem going back to the second week in September,” he added.
Booger just said if Alabama beats Georgia Saturday they still need help to get in. That’s outlandish. If they win they deserve the nod over Texas. Pains me to say, but I think they do. In other news, FSU without Travis wouldn’t beat at least 20 of these teams in the Top 25.
— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) November 29, 2023
The ESPN College Football Playoff Predictor supports McFarland’s reservations, indicating that Alabama faces a 41% chance of making the Playoff if they secure a victory in the SEC Championship Game, assuming Texas, Michigan, Washington, and Florida State also emerge victorious in their respective conference title matchups.
The probability increases to 80% if Texas falls to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game (which is hard to see happening).
However, a potential twist emerges if Florida State loses, with the algorithm projecting both Alabama and Texas to secure spots in the final four alongside Michigan and the Pac-12 winner (expected to be Oregon).
Idk Booger. What’s a better win? Alabama beats Georgia on a “neutral” field for a SEC chip or Texas beats Bama at Bama in Sept.?
Although I do agree it’s pretty easy in this situation. 1. Mich 2. Bama 3. Ducks 4. Texas
— Mr. Mitt (worldoftshirts fan account) (@dickiespicks) November 28, 2023
Chaos will happen if the dominoes fall a certain way this weekend.
Could the back-to-back national champs, currently on a 29-game winning streak, be left OUT of the Playoff if they lose tomorrow?
When it’s all said and done, what do you think will end up happening???